Furthermore, the chances were that the British-American Coal and Lumber Company would still have good value for their money, for the west half of the limits was exceptionally good; and besides, what right had he to besmirch the honor of his employer, and to set his judgment above that of a man of much greater experience?
Ranald understood also Mr.St.Clair's reference to the changes in the firm, and it gave him no small satisfaction to think that in four years he had risen from the position of lumber checker to that of manager, with an offer of a partnership; nor could he mistake the suggestion in Mr.St.Clair's closing words.
Every interest he had in life would be furthered by the consummation of the deal, and would be imperiled by his refusing to adopt Mr.St.
Clair's suggestion.

Still, argue as he might, Ranald never had any doubt as to what, as a man of honor, he ought to do.

Colonel Thorp was entitled to the information that he and Mr.St.Clair alone possessed.
Between his interests and his conscience the conflict raged.
"I wish I knew what I ought to do," he groaned, all the time battling against the conviction that the information he possessed should by rights be given to Colonel Thorp.

Finally, in despair of coming to a decision, he seized his hat, saying, "I will go and see Kate," and slipping out of a side door, he set off for the Raymond home.

"I will just look up Coley on the way," he said to himself, and diving down an alley, he entered a low saloon with a billiard hall attached.